National Bike Month launched in San Diego

Elected leaders from across San Diego County helped kick-off National Bike Month in downtown San Diego on Wednesday. Those pictured, from left to right, include Congressman Scott Peters, Santee Councilman Jack Dale, Coronado Councilman Mike Woiwode and County Supervisors Greg Cox and Dave Roberts. Photo courtesy of SANDAG.

Elected leaders from across San Diego County helped kick-off National Bike Month in downtown San Diego on Wednesday. Those pictured, from left to right, include Congressman Scott Peters, Santee Councilman Jack Dale, Coronado Councilman Mike Woiwode and County Supervisors Greg Cox and Dave Roberts. Photo courtesy of SANDAG.

A handful of elected leaders and dozens of cycling enthusiasts pedaled through downtown San Diego on Wednesday to launch National Bike Month.

San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts, Coronado Councilman Mike Woiwode and Santee Councilman Jack Dale biked alongside members of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition before gathering for a press conference at the County Administration Center, said Jamie Ortiz, a spokeswoman for the coalition.

Highlights of Bike Month in San Diego County include National Bike to School Day on May 8; Bike to Work Day on May 17; a Bike to Work Corporate Challenge throughout the month, and several bicycle safety events.

While they didn't pedal to Wednesday morning's event, several other politicians including Congressman Scott Peters (D-San Diego); San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and County Supervisor Greg Cox called on residents to dust off their bikes, Ortiz said.

"There are so many reasons to support Bike Month," Peters said in a news release. "First, promoting cycling can promote our economy; bike-related businesses generate as much as $69 million and 300 jobs in the 52nd Congressional District alone. But biking is also a great way to improve our quality of life. It’s a fun way to stay healthy and it’s a great way to reduce the number of cars on the road which means less traffic and cleaner air."

“We wish every month was Bike to Work Month in San Diego,” added Filner, also in the news release. "We’re on the verge of a cycling cultural shift, which is why we are coordinating fun events to encourage folks to ditch the car and ride their bike through all parts of San Diego."

Bicycling resources include the San Diego Regional Bike Map, available at icommutesd.com, and the bike coalition website, sdcbc.org.

In 2011, the region's transportation planning agency, the San Diego Association of Governments, committed to building several high-priority bike projects stretching from central San Diego to the South Bay and East County.

SANDAG estimates there are currently about 510,000 bike trips per day in the San Diego region.